Virginia teen earns Diana Award for refurbishing technology for students
Chris Qian founded ReTech for Kids at age 14 to distribute 2,000 refurbished devices to under-resourced students.
Chris Qian, a 17-year-old from Virginia, has earned a 2026 Diana Award for his work with ReTech for Kids, a nonprofit that refurbishes and redistributes second-hand technology. According to the Times of India, the initiative was founded by Qian when he was 14 to provide computers to under-resourced students across the United States.
Over three years, the organisation has mobilised more than 100 youth volunteers and distributed 2,000 refurbished devices. The nonprofit collects electronics through partnerships with businesses and community centres, after which volunteers diagnose, repair, and upgrade the hardware.
Qian is currently developing ReTechOS, a modified version of Linux Mint XFCE, to make older devices more accessible for first-time computer owners. The initiative aims to divert unwanted electronics from landfills while providing learning tools to students.
The work earned Qian second place at the University of Vermont (UVM) 2026 Vermont Pitch Challenge. He received a $5,000 prize for the nonprofit, which UVM described as an organisation that refurbishes and donates devices to K-12 students to reduce e-waste and close the digital divide.
The Diana Award Roll of Honour recognised Qian for his ability to inspire and mobilise others for social action. ReTech for Kids continues to collect and distribute devices while developing its custom operating system.